catalyst~ (gen.chem Q)

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ippie

ippie
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Which is correct about catalyst?

a. increases the reaction rate by decreasing the heat of activation.

b. increases the reaction rate by lowering the activation energy of the forward reaction only.

c. increases the reaction rate by increasing the fraction of molecules that have the activation energy.

d. increases the reaction rate by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy.

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I'd go with d, but don't quote me on that. I know catalysts do provide an alternate pathway, so that would be my guess.
Scott
 
Those are poorly worded answers because C could technically be correct as well. By lowering the activation energy, the catalyst *does* increase the percentage of molecules with enough energy to proceed. However, if I were forced to pick one, I'd pick D too
 
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